Israel's central bank issued last week a forecast of the country's 2008 economic growth reducing the forecast to 3.2%, compared to 5.3% growth in 2007

Cherry crops would be unusually large this year reaching 4,500 tons due to the cold weather

During March the port handled TEU123,500 compared to TEU 108,000, the previous container record

Growth of exports to the USA which was 16% in 2006 and 5% in 2007 will be 0% in 2008

Zim's profit fell two-thirds from NIS 360 million in 2006 to NIS 120 million 2007. the increase in revenue was mainly due to higher freight rates and increase in quantities transported

Shipping companies calling at the port have expressed satisfaction at the new arrangement noting that the service level has been kept stable

“Hameshachrerim Mali Line” has been working in the Israeli market for 40 years and has provided customs clearance services to some of the leading Hi Tech companies in Israel

Israel is a candidate for OECD membership, though the process will take a number of years, and the treasury views membership in the development center as another step on this path